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Building 2 kayaks - using Jeff's book for help and inspiration -


jaguiler

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I wanted to share what I have been working on and what I have planned, in case it helps anyone in the future.

 

I am building two kayaks for my kids.  They are both twins and 7 years old - so I am building 11' boats for them.

 

I started by reading Jeff's book which came with a few plans.  I have to add that the book is very well written and very easy to understand.  I have been using the techniques described in the book to build my kayaks.

My next project will be a Ravenswood.

 

Being a kids kayak - I was not too anal about my materials.  I used Purebond baltic birch from Home Depot.  I found some 11oz, uncoated camo poly as well - (kids choice) to use as a cover.  Western red cedar stringers and lashed everything on the boat - no screws, no glue.  Pool noodles for flotation. The boat is not Jeff's design, so please don't ask out of respect to Jeff's design.  I have used his book extensively and plan to purchase plans for Ravenswood.

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  • 1 month later...

These are ideal boats to involve kids in building. Next pair they can help with, or do mostly alone.

Then you can infect them with the paddling AND building disorders.

My kids are stuck in Swallows and Amazons mode, so it's all about the sailboat.

Although, my daughter has been leaning towards building a double kayak with me.

Good work. Enjoy those kids while you can. Soon they will be grown...

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Thanks - looking forward to building a rowboat next - maybe Flyfisher - possible in Sept - as the water may get too cold in October to kayak (for the kids, in case they flip it) and it is fishing season.

 

I must add - that the flotation works really well.  Unfortunately, one of my kids flipped over.  He had trouble getting out of the boat, but kept his head above water.  I swam to him, after jumping from my canoe, and flipped him back over quickly and easily.  The boat was full of water, but was still able to paddle - due to the pool noodles.  We spent the next week practicing getting in and out of the kayak.  Point is - there is no substitute to having a parent nearby, preferably in a boat, and practice, as well as some solid flotation.

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